Sefton Council says “it’s not been easy” during big freeze which struck Formby

HEAVY snow in central and northern parts of the borough made road conditions very difficult with traditional gritting or snow-ploughing having little, or no, effect, according to senior Sefton Council officers.

HEAVY snow in central and northern parts of the borough made road conditions very difficult with traditional gritting or snow-ploughing having little, or no, effect, according to senior Sefton Council officers.

Trials using mechanical diggers to break up compacted ice were carried out in some of the worst affected parts which they said did help to clear ice, however, it is still not known whether this activity caused lasting damage to the road surface.

Services for the most vulnerable people in Sefton did continue throughout the 10-day freeze.

Jerry Mc Conkey, Sefton Council’s network manager, said: “We would like to apologise to residents for any disruption and inconvenience they have experienced during this unprecedented and prolonged cold weather.

“We realise that it has not been easy for people during this time, but it has not been possible to completely clear the roads of ice, particularly around the worst affected areas. .

“Throughout the severely cold weather we have gritted and ploughed our routes consistently, with many gritters carrying out double-runs and ploughs working around the clock.

“We believe that Sefton has carried out more gritting runs than any other Merseyside council since the snow fell.

Some refuse and recycling collections were postponed during the worst of the recent severe weather with staff, who were unable to carry out their normal duties, clearing snow and ice .

People are also asked to note that some delays to refuse and recycling collections may be experienced as staff catch up.

However, residents are asked to put their bins and recycling out on their usual collection day .

Residents are also being asked not to put household waste in their green wheelie bins as these will not be emptied.

One extra bag of refuse will be taken away as part of this collection to allow residents to reduce any back-log.